The UK government has released a new framework to protect the environment during the development of major road, rail and rail freight schemes.

It has also launched a consultation; to ensure that developers of new road and rail schemes consider environmental targets, biodiversity net gains and the impact of their proposals on carbon emissions.

Environmental outcome reports will be mandatory for these projects, enabling the government to establish measurable outcomes against which transport schemes can be evaluated.

The government has welcomed input on the framework from developers involved in major road, rail and freight schemes.

Transport Minister Richard Holden said: “Transport has a vital role to play in levelling up our country, connecting people with good jobs and education opportunities across our cities, town and villages and in growing the economy.

“This new framework is part of our mission to build a more sustainable transport system which protects our wonderful English countryside and wildlife while delivering opportunity by levelling up our transport network across the country.”

The consultation is set to run until June 2023.